Climbing apparatus adapted for installation on piers and the like



Nov. 25, 1-969 J. B. GOODHUE 3,480,107 CLIMBING APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR-I-NSTALLATION ON PIERS AND THE LIKE Filed Oct. 2, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1M560 .5. Good/70a INVENTOR.

BY @mz/xw ATTORNEY Nov. 25. 1969 J. B. GOODHUE 3,480,107

CLIMBING APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR INSTALLATION 0N PIERS AND THE LIKE 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 2, 1967 4706/? 5. Gave/five v INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,480,107 CLIMBING APPARATUS ADAPTED FOR INSTAL-LATION 0N PIERS AND THE LIKE John B. Goodhue, P.0. Box 5345, Beaumont,Tex. 77706 Filed Oct. 2, 1967, Ser. No. 672,041 Int. Cl. E06c 9/06, 7/16U.S. Cl. 182-97 10 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE For installation onpiers and the like, stair-like apparatus having at least two positions,one being retraction to a position preferably out of the water, and theother being a position extending into the water whereby a swimmer orboater has ease of access by the present invention and is permitted toclimb to the pier with case; said apparatus preferably including a pairof elongate members with a number of foot supporting members in between.

Summary of problem and invention Numerous piers, wharves, and othererected or natural structures are adjacent bodies of water with the viewof permitting loading and unloading of boats, vessels, and engaging inother maritime vehicles. In circumstances too numerous to tabulate,facilities are provided whereby individuals in the water or aboard smallboats or vessels must climb to the top of the pier or wharf as a meansof going on-shore. In most circumstances, the ladders are customarily ina sad state of repair or maintenance, and are therefore quite dangerous.The deterioration of wooden ladders near the water is an accepted factand results from the chemical action of the water on the wood at thewater line, and also the build-up of chemicals on the ladder from thewater. For instance, pollutants and other impurities in the water willquickly coat the surfaces of the ladder and make it slippery ordangerous. Moreover, marine-life deposits typically coat the surfaces ofmost ladders. While some improvement in useful life is obtained bysubstituting metal ladders for wooden structures, this does not providea finalt solution because marine deposits will also attach themselves tometal surfaces. Moreover, the slipperiness of a metal surface farexceeds that of a wooden surface, and increases dangers to the user.

It is with a view of the foregoing problems that the present inventionis devised, and is hereby summarized as including an elongate meanshaving a plurality of foot support means which is adapted to bepositioned for access by a swimmer or other individual at the surface ofthe water. Moreover, the present invention is adapted to be positionedout of the water when not in use, and is so arranged and constructed onconnector means to be pivoted from the position in the water andextending upwardly to the pier with pivotal movement to a storedposition not exposed to the water. This substantially increases the lifeof the apparatus and further prevents fouling of the surfaces of theladder to thereby permit its continued use for an indefinite period oftime.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedretractable ladder for installation on piers and the like which has atleast two positions, one of which is in the water for convenience of auser and the other of which is retracted out of the water to preventneedless fouling of the ladder.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improvedclimbing apparatus adapted to position and support a ladder in the waterwherein the structural supports are independently mounted and aligned3,480,107 Patented Nov. 25, 1969 free of the problems of piersettlement, misalignment of the pilings or the like.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved retractable ladder which is positioned either vertically or atan inclined angle for the convenience of the user.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved climbing apparatus suitable for installation on piers orwharves wherein the retracted position removes the ladder fully from thewater to avoid exposure to the surface fouling resulting from being inthe water and to further permit drying of the ladder to prolong the lifeof the apparatus.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved climbing apparatus suitable for installation on piers or thelike permitting a substantial range of height for installation on avariety of structures.

An important object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved climbing apparatus which, in the retracted position, is out ofthe way of boats navigating near the pier to permit the boats to comealong side for docking.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent from a consideration of the specification and drawingsincluded wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present inventionillustrating the climbing apparatus extending downwardly from a pier;

FIG. !2 is a sectional view taken along the center line of the structureshown in FIG. 1 in the retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the apparatus in the extendedposition;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an additional embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates additional details of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention;and,

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6illustrating means for positioning the lower end of the ladder in thewater.

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 of the drawings which illustratesin substantial detail the climbing apparatus of the present inventionwhich is indicated by the numeral 10. The apparatus is adapted to beinstalled on a pier 12, the deck planing and major members beingillustrated in the drawings with the vertical pilings omitted forclarity of illustration. The climbing apparatus 10 includes an elongatemeans 14 secured to and carried by a connector means indicated generallyat 16, and adapted to be pivoted about an axis on the pier 12 from itsstored, horizontal position to an inclined position extending downwardlytoward the water. Moreover, a second connector means 18 is secured tothe lower end of the dim ing apparatus 14 to position the lower end incooperation with the means 16. The apparatus 10 has two positions, onewhich is retracted and the other which is extended and useable with thelower end at or in the water. A plurality of steps is included in theladder to enable any user, such as a swimmer, boater or other individualat the surface or in the water to climb the ladder to a position on thepier 12. Thereupon, the climbing apparatus 10 of the present inventionis adapted to be retrieved onto the pier to thereby retract the lowerend from exposure to the water and the damaging effects of theenvironmental conditions.

Considering the invention more in detail, the climbing apparatus 10shown in FIG. 1 is secured to the pier 12. The structure 12 is of anydesired founded construction and may be, by way of example, a pier,wharf, an ofishore drilling platform, a fishing platform, or othererected structure at a body of water. The pilings have been omitted fromFIG. 1 for purposes of clarity and to illustrate the fact that thepresent invention is not dependent on the pilings. This is of particularinterest since pilings tend to settle in the sub-soil and become cantedor inclined after an interval of time, and are therefore usually notreliable as a means of support for the present invention 10. Moreover,it is presumed that the pier 12 is generally horizontal and level withinone or two degrees of the horizontal. Again, this is not a specificrequirement of the present invention, although the climbing apparatus 10is preferably used with a level structure, although it can be installedwith a pier or other structure which is canted or inclined. Should thedegree of settling of the pier 12 in the water be extreme, the apparatus10 is preferably installed with the addition of necessary shim stock toadequately true the various members as will be described. Of course,these problems are noted in passing, and are of no consequence to thepresent invention.

The climbing apparatus 14 preferably includes a pair of parallelelongate members and 21. A number of foot support means, preferablydowel rods 22 and 23, are included between the elongate rails or runners20 and 21 at spaced intervals. The number of foot support means 22 issubject to variation; however, the spacing between support members ispreferably regular to provide the expected foot supporting for anindividual even when used in the dark. Moreover, the dowels 22 arepreferably of substantial diameter to support the weight of the user andare anchored in the rails 20 and 21 in appropriately drilled holes atspaced locations.

In the example shown in the drawings, the rails 20 and 21 are perhapssix or eight feet in length. The pier 12 stands perhaps four feet abovethe water so that the lower foot support member 22 is positioned belowthe water in the extended position of FIG. 1.

The upper connector means 16 includes a mounting bracket 28 which isnailed or otherwise joined to the planking of the pier 12 and which hasbifurcated tabs 29' and 30 extending upwardly from the deck of the pier12. The spacing between the tabs 29 and 30 is such that the climbingapparatus 14 fits snugly between the tabs in the retracted position.Each of the tabs 29 and 30 has a central opening for a pivotalconnection to each of a pair of elongate connecting rods 31 and 32,respectively. The connecting rods 31 and 32 extend from the tabs 29 and30 to the upper end of the climbing means 14, and more particularly arepivotally joined to the rails 20 and 21 by the pin connectors 33 and 34.The connectors 33 and 34 pivot on rotation of the parallel rods 31 and32 and the rails 20 and 21 of the climbing apparatus. Moreover, theconnecting rods 31 and 32 are adapted to be rested on the planked deckof the pier 12 which serves as a stop means limiting thecounter-clockwise rotation of the connecting rods to the positionillustrated in FIG. 1.

With regard to the relative length of the various components, it will beappreciated that the connecting rods 31 and 32 are approximatelyone-half the length of the climbing means 14 between the connections ofthe upper and lower connector means 16 and 18, respectively. This factis better illustrated in FIG. 2 Which shows the upper connective means16 fully rotated in a clockwise direction to the retracted position.Moreover, it will be noted in FIG. 2 that the means 16 is approximatelyone-half the length of the means 14 while yet providing a range ofrotation approximately equal to the diameter of the circle of movementof the means 16. The location of the mounting bracket 28 on the pier 12should be such that the movement to the left as shown in FIG. 2 carriesthe upper end of the climbing means 14 to a point beyond the pier 12 toavoid mechanical interference in the extended position.

While the foregoing describes the construction of the means 16, noteshould be taken of the lower connector means 18 included in thestructure. More particularly, a pair of mounting brackets 35 and 36 aresecured by screws, nails or the like, to the face of the pier 12. Thebrackets 35 and 36 are preferably leveled by the use of the shim stockor other means accommodating vertical adjustment. In any event, thebrackets are so positioned that the desired vertical alignment of thestructure is maintained.

The bracket 35 supports a downwardly extended brace 37 which is parallelto a similar brace 38. The braces 37 and 38 are preferably parallel to apair of braces 39 and 40. The braces 39 and 40 are secured to the pier12, preferably by means of a transversely extending mounting bracketsecured to the lower side of the pier 12 as shown in FIG. 2. Again,location of the braces 39 and 40 is assisted by the use of the shimstock, or other steps suggested herein to maintain the braces 39 and 40parallel to the forward braces 37 and 38.

A pair of transversely extending support struts 41 and 42 is included inthe structure, and each is connected to one of the brackets 35 and 36.The brace 39 and the strut 41 are joined to a gusset plate 43 which issymmetrical to a similar plate 44. The two plates are spaced from oneanother, and each provides a pivot for a connector rod 45 and 46. Moreparticularly, the forward braces 37 and 38 extend downwardly toconnection with rearwardly extending horizontal beams 47 and 48. Thebeams 47 and 48 also connect to the gusset plates 43 and 44,respectively. Rigidity of the frame structure described hereinabove isenhanced by the inclusion of a transversely extending lateral support 50at the intersection of the braces 37 and 38 to the horizontal beams 47and 48. It will be noted that a reinforcing gusset is provided at eachintersection to enhance the rigidity of the corners.

From the foregoing, it will be noted that a stable structure is providedwherein an axis of rotation is cen tered in the gussets 43 and 44.Moreover, the means 18, serving as a pivotal connective means, isstabilized for rotation to the extended position of FIG. 1 or theretracted position of FIG. 2. In further particular, the length of themeans 18 from the pivot point at its fixed end to the movable endconnected with the ladder means 14 is such that the lower end of theladder is movable from the extended position best shown in FIG. 3 to thestored position of FIG. 2. In the retracted position, the upper end ispivoted out of range of the water and upwardly to a positionapproximately parallel with and slightly above the pier 12. It will benoted in FIG. 2 that the approximate angle of rotation from thehorizontal to the inclined and retracted position is on the order ofsixty or seventy degrees of rotation. Of course, this can vary withdifferent installations and is not a limitation on the apparatus of thepresent invention. Further, it will be noted that support of theapparatus is independent of the piling 51 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which,as noted, is subject to settling and misalignment.

The apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3, inclusive, should be considered fromthe point of view of its operation, and more particularly with focusdirected to the cleanliness and unlimited life of the climbingapparatus. In FIG. 1, the apparatus is shown with the ladder means 14extended toward the surface of the water. As previously note-d, theladder means may be extended only to the surface or into the water,depending on its requirements. For instance, should the device be usedby a swimmer, it is preferable to position one or two steps beneath thewater so the swimmer has little ditficulty in elevating himself from thewater when lacking firm support. Moreover, should the apparatus 10 bedesired for small boats or other vessels having nominal freeboard, themeans 10 preferably extends to the surface of the water with thelowermost rung or foot support 22 positioned immediately at a convenientlevel.

Viewing the structure as illustrated in FIG. 2, it will be noted thatthe climbing apparatus 14 is fully retracted from the water. As a matterof fact, the means 14 is only slightly exposed to the water spray and iscertainly not subject to build-up deposits or decay. More particularly,the apparatus remains unexposed when not in use. Only at the time of useis the present invention exposed to the degenerating effects of thewater; however, retraction permits the surfaces to dry in combatting therotting and decay of the equipment. By way of contrast, it is notuncommon for oil slime or other pollutants in the water to form aresidue on the climbing apparatus 10.

The embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 2 in the fully retracted position.More specifically, the upper connector means 16 is rotated to its righthand extremity of movement as illustrated in the drawings. In furtherparticular, the means 18 is rotated in the clockwise direction towardthe vertical. As illustrated in the drawings, the means 18 swingupwardly between the brackets 35 and 36 to nearly contact the lower sideof the pier 12. In this posture, it will be appreciated that theclimbing apparatus is secured on the pier 12 and substantially out ofthe water. Moreover, drying of the surfaces of the climbing apparatus ispermitted. Even if the surf should be excessively rough and often coversthe pier 12, even still, the means 14 is maintained high and dry abovethe water during its unlimited life.

The dotted line representation of FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment 10of the present invention during rotation from the fully retractedposition to the extended posture. In the movement of the means 14 to theextended position, each of the connector means 16 and 18 is rotatedabout its respective pivot point. While the angles of rotation differ,this is in part caused by the differences in length of the means 16 and18 and is of no particular consequence.

In FIG. 3, the climbing apparatus 14 is fully extended from the pier 12.It will be noted that the upper connector means is rotated and contactsthe pier 12 which serves as a stop means. Also, the transverse brace 50shown in FIG. 1 serves as a stop mean for the lower connector means 18if desired. If desired, the extended means 14 is enhanced by addition ofsupport rungs below the connector means 18 which extend even furtherinto the water. It will be appreciated that such an appendage is Wellwithin the scope of the present invention.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 4 of the drawings which illustratesan alternative structure indicated by the numeral 60. The apparatus 60includes an upper connective means 61 secured to the deck of a pier 62.A lower connective means 63 is joined to a climbing means 64. The lowerconnective means is supported and braced by appropriate framingindicated generally at 65.

The upper connective means 61 includes a pair of elongate members 67 and68 which are pivotally secured by appropriate hinges to the pier 62.Each of the means 67 and 68 has hinged connectors at the movable endsfor pivoting the climbing apparatus 64. The climbing means 64 includes apair of elongate members 69 and 70 between which a number of steps orfoot support means 71 and 72 are secured. By way of contrast, the steps71 and 72 present flat upper surfaces when compared with the dowel rods22 and 23 illustrated in FIG. 1. This simply illustrates one variationof the present invention.

The support means 65 is somewhat similar to the supporting structureillustrated in FIG. 1 in function to position a shaft 74 beneath thepier 62 for a pivot point for the lower connector means 63. The framing65 preferably takes the form of an inverted A-frame secured to the underside of the pier 62. As was the case for the embodiment 10, shim stockor other appropriate means is used to level and align the framing 65 tolevel the shaft 74. As was the case in the embodiment 10 also, thepilings are preferably not used with the structure of the presentinvention since they tend to settle and would possibly misalign thepresent invention. Of course, if the pilings are properly set in thesubsoil, they may very well be used as supporting structure for thepresent invention. However, this choice is left to one installing thepresent invention.

Particular emphasis is directed to the lower connective means 63. Itwill be noted that the shaft 74 is the pivot point. The means 63includes a pair of L-shaped angle iron members 76 and 77 which pivotabout the shaft 74. Each of the members 74 is Lshaped whereby the shaft74 is positioned substantially above the lower end of the climbingapparatus 64 which extends downwardly into the water. This serves as onemeans of elevating the pivot means above the water. This is ofassistance in maintaining a generally frictionless pivot connectionabove the surface of the water although this is notrequired foroperation of the present invention. For structural rigidity, the members76 and 77 are preferably formed of angle iron stock or other reasonablystout fabricating material. Preferably the members 76 and 77 extendvertically upwardly as a result of the off-set to avoid possibleinterference with the vertical sides of the pier. This avoids thenecessity of cutting into the framework of the pier.

The use of angle iron stock is preferably extended to the components ofthe structural framing 65. Of particular interest is the upright members78 and 79, joined to the pier at a notched opening 62a of the pier 62.The notched opening serves several purposes. In the first instance, theplanking is preferably notched to provide a suitable anchor for themembers 78 and 79 at the upper ends. Moreover, the width of the notch,after installation of the members 78 and 79, is preferably slightlygreater than the width of the climbing means 64 which is positioned inthe notch as shown in FIG. 4. A clamping action on the sides of themembers 69 and 70 provides lateral stability to the present invention.Moreover, the notched portion need not be snug against the members 69and 70 to substantially strengthen the present invention when installed.

In operation, the embodiment 60 is used somewhat in the same manner ofthe embodiment 10. It has a retracted position wherein the means 61 isrotated clockwise to the extremity of movement to retract the climbingmeans 64 from the water. Concurrent with rotation of the means 61 isrotation of the lower means 63. The means 63 rotates about the shaft 64to lift the lower end of the ladder 64 from the water. As previouslydescribed, a sizeable portion of the lower connector means 63 is abovethe surface of the water.

Of interest to the present invention is the relative dimensions of themembers 76 and 77 in relation to the axis 74. Since the shaft 74 is setback of the notch 62a in the pier, the generally horizontal arm of themembers 76 and 77 is preferably slightly longer than the distance of theset-back. Also, the same arm is preferably slightly longer than thevertical distance from the shaft 74 to the top of the pier 62. Onachieving these preferred lengths, the arms 76 and 77 then permit thelower end of the climbing apparatus 64 to be retracted to the pier 62,centered within the notched portion 62a. the angle of the structure 60is approximately equal to that of the structure 10 previously described.In both instances, it will be noted that the ladders extend atapproximately thirty degrees with respect to the vertical.

Attention is next directed to FIG. 6 of the drawings which illustrateseven a third embodiment of the present invention. The structure includesan upper connective means 91 secured to a climbing apparatus 92. Theclimbing apparatus cooperates with a lower connector means 93 as will bedescribed. The lower connector apparatus 93 cooperates with a structuralframing means 94 which is somewhat similar to the inverted A-frame 65described above. The structural support means 94 is appended to thelower side of the pier 95 in the same manner as previously discussed.

Of particular interest to the structure shown in FIG. 6 is the fact thatthe climbing apparatus is held in a vertical position when extendedtoward the water. On the other hand, the retracted position remains thesame, essentially horizontal on the pier 95. The upper connective means91 functions in the same manner as that described hereinbefore. Moreparticularly, it is preferably anchored on the deck of the pier 95 andincludes means permitting its rotation through approximately one hundredeighty degrees to extend to the left or the right as viewed in FIG. 6.Again, the connector means 91 is approximately one-half the length ofthe climbing apparatus 92 so that a substantial portion, or even theentire length of the ladder is retracted to the deck and positionedthereon. It is of note that the lower portions of the ladder means 92may extend beyond the forward edge of the platform or pier is needed. Atany event, the means 91 is described herein as being essentially similarin construction and function to the means discussed above.

The climbing apparatus 92 is preferably similar or identical topreviously discussed structures. More specifically, it includes a pairof parallel members with a number of steps positioned therebetween. Thesteps may be metal or the round wooden dowels shown in FIG. 1 or canprovide the flat upper surfaces somewhat as shown in FIG. 4. It shouldbe noted that each of the steps 71 and 72 in FIG. 4 are positioned at anangle with respect to the elongate members 69 and 70 to provide ahorizontal plane when used. The differences in the angle of the laddersaccounts for the slight canting of the steps shown in FIG. 4 withrespect to the ladder apparatus 64. For use in the embodiment 90, thesteps are perpendicular and the climbing apparatus is conventional inconstruction.

The structural support means 94 is substantially constructed along thelines discussed with regard to the support means 64. That is, itincludes a pair of preferably spaced, aligned, inverted A-frames securedbeneath the pier 95, being joined thereto to provide true verticalalignment of the structure. The means 94 supports the lower connectormeans 93 as will be discussed hereinafter.

Attention is directed to FIG. 7 which illustrates detains of the means93. The structural means 94 includes a preferably vertical member 96(preferably of angle stock). Since the means 94 is symmetrical on theright and left, it will be appreciated that two vertical members arespaced from one another to guide and seat the ladder means 92 when it ispositioned in the water. The ladder means 92 incorporates a pair ofelongate members 97 as shown in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, themember 97 is constructed of angle stock and is shown nested and alignedwithin the vertical member 96 as a means of gaining lateral stability.

The vertical member 97 extends the full length of the climbing apparatus92 to support the foot supports for the user. The lowermost rung isindicated at 98 and i joined to the vertical member 97 by means of arivet, spot Weld, or other appropriate joining means. Beneath thlowermost rung 98, a notch or cut-out 97a shapes the lower end of theclimbing apparatus 92 for locking in place. A locking post 99 is joinedto the means 96 and extends perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 7 forlocking engagement with the notch or cut-out 97a. Since the embodiment90 has symmetrical counterparts on both sides of the climbing apparatus92, it will be understood that the lower end is locked in position. Thatis, lateral movement of the lower end is limited, because the verticalload on the ladder sets the notch 97a on the locking pins 99 which clampthe members 97 against the members 96. More particularly, the means 93should be considered in operation. It will be observed from the dottedline representation of FIG. 6 that the lower end of the climbingapparatus 92 swings in an arc to the illustrated position. The arcuateseating of the lower end is accommodated by the open front or face ofthe means 99 cooperative with the upright member 96, which, so to speak,sheaths the lower portions of the climbing apparatus 92, it beingunderstood that the lower end is essentially inserted into the spacebetween the locking pin 99 and the upstanding flange of the verticalmember 96. The insertion is accomplished in the arcuate movement of theclimbing apparatus 92.

In operation, movement of the climbing apparatus 92 from the retractedposition is achieved by lifting the end of the ladder from the platformor pier 95 and rotating it to the illustrated position of FIG. 6. Thearcuate movement of the climbing apparatus at its lower end brings thelower end into engagement with the lower connective means 93. Guidanceis obtained by the tendency of the upright member 96 to true the ladder92 during movement by abutting the flanges. The ladder is secured inposition with the lower end made fast, the central portion capturedbetween the flanges of the structural support means 94, and with theupper portion held by the upper connector means 91.

Of particular interest is the fact that the climbing means 92 isessentially vertical when compared with the structures 60 and 10described above. It is of no particular consequence what angle isassumed by the structure when erected; this can be varied depending onthe requirements of installation.

Note should be taken of several general factors effecting the use of thepresent invention. Little has been said concerning the length ordimensions of the climbing apparatus provided by the present invention.This is subject to a wide range of variation; some piers are merely twoor three feet above the water while others are perhaps twenty or thirtyfeet removed from the surface. Moreover, the width of each ladder ispreferably on the order of two feet, although this may easily be alteredto substantial widths as desired. The structural materials are subjectto a wide range of variation and include treated and untreated wood,galvanized metals, and others. Moreover, the means of fabrication issubject to the choice of materialwherein wooden structures arepreferably pre-cut to join one another and are either glued or boltedtogether. Metallic structures are preferably joined by means of bolts,rivets, spot welding, or the like.

Alterations can be included with the present invention, such as theaddition of hand rails to the embodiment 60 shown in FIG. 4. One or twohand rails positioned above and parallel to the elongate members 69 and70 assist the user in emerging from the water. If the hand rails extendfrom the climbing apparatus 64 by a distance of perhaps one or two feet,substantial assistance is lent to the user to enable him to steadyhimself as he climbs the apparatus. Moreover, the hand rails have noeffect on the operation of the present invention, either in theretracted position or in the extended position.

While the foregoing describes the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, the scope of the present invention is preferably defined bythe claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. Climbing apparatus for installation on piers and the like to permit aperson to ascend from or descend toward Water, comprising:

(a) an elongate means of predetermined length;

(b) a plurality of foot support means spaced along said elongate meansand adapted to support the weight of a user;

(0) connector means adapted to secure said elongate means relative tothe pier;

(d) said connector means including:

(1) a pivotal connection;

(2) structural support means adapted to be located beneath the pier forsupporting said pivotal connection;

(3) an elongate member extending from said pivotal connection, saidmember connected to said elongate means near the lower end thereof forsupport and having a range of movement from the retracted position to aposition with the lower end of said elongate means in the water; and

(4) said connector means securing said elongate means in an essentiallyretracted position withdrawn from the water, and said means alsosecuring said elongate means in near proximity to the water for use by aperson in ascending from or descending toward the Water.

2. Climbing apparatus for installation on piers and the like to permit aperson to ascend from or descend toward Water, comprising:

(a) an elongate means of predetermined length;

(b) a plurality of foot support means spaced along said elongate meansand adapted to support the weight of a user;

(c) structural support means adapted to be positioned beneath the pier;

(d) pivotal connection means supported by said structural support means;

(e) an elongate member extending downwardly and at an angle from saidpivotal connection means and into the water for supporting the lowerportion of said elongate means; and

(if) said pivotal connection being located above the surface of theWater and said elongate member having a retracted position above thesurface of the water.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein said elongate means includes a pairof essentially parallel members with said foot support means joined tosaid parallel members.

4. The invention of claim 2 wherein said pivotal connection means isadapted to be secured to the pier at a location such that the retractedposition of said elongate means is essentially horizontal.

5. The invention of claim 2 wherein said pivotal connection means isadapted to be secured to the pier at a location such that the retractedposition of said elongate means is essentially shielded from the waterby the pier.

6. The invention of claim 2 wherein said pivotal connection means isadapted to be connected adjacent an upper surface of the pier andincluding means for limiting movement of said elongate means past theretracted position.

7. The invention of claim 2 wherein said pivotal connection means isadapted to be connected adjacent an upper surface of the pier andextends essentially on the upper surface of the pier for support, andextends toward the edge of the pier above the water for positioning saidelongate means between the pier and above the surface of the water.

8. The invention of claim 2 wherein said pivotal connector means isapproximately half the length of the portion of said elongate meansresting on the pier in the retracted position; and wherein movement ofsaid connector means in changing position of said elongate means movessaid elongate means from a generally vertical attitude to a generallyhorizontal attitude.

9. The invention of claim 2 including:

(a) structural support means adapted to be positioned beneath the pier;

(b) a pivotal connection supported by said structural support means;

(0) an elongate member extending downwardly and at an angle from saidpivotal connection and into the water for supporting the lower portionof said elongate means; and

(d) said pivotal connection being located above the surface of the waterand said elongate member having a retracted position above the surfaceof the Water.

10. The invention of claim 2 including means for stabilizing saidelongate means in place and against a lateral movement when saidelongate means is in near proximity to the water.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,621,539 3/1927 Hemingway l82982,336,169 12/1943 Fick 18298 3,052,896 9/1962 Beach 91 FOREIGN PATENTS32,223 6/ 1962 Finland.

REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 182-115

